Meyerbeer: Overtures & Entr'actes from the French Operas

Album Description

Dive into the grandeur of 19th-century French opera with Giacomo Meyerbeer's "Overtures & Entr'actes from the French Operas," a captivating collection that showcases the composer's mastery of dramatic and lyrical expression. This album, released on May 6, 2014, under the Naxos label, offers a comprehensive journey through Meyerbeer's most celebrated works, performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Darrell Ang.

Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes, this album features 17 tracks that include overtures and entr'actes from some of Meyerbeer's most renowned operas, such as "Robert le diable," "Les Huguenots," "L'Africaine," and "Le Prophète." Each piece is a testament to Meyerbeer's ability to create vivid musical landscapes that complement the dramatic narratives of his operas.

From the stirring "Overture" of "Robert le diable" to the majestic "Coronation March" from "Le Prophète," this collection highlights Meyerbeer's innovative use of melody, harmony, and orchestration. The album provides a rich tapestry of sounds that reflect the opulence and spectacle of grand opera, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's library.

Whether you are a seasoned opera aficionado or a curious newcomer to the genre, this album offers a compelling introduction to the world of Giacomo Meyerbeer and the grandeur of French opera. The precision and passion of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, coupled with Darrell Ang's insightful direction, bring these timeless compositions to life, ensuring an unforgettable listening experience.

May 6, 2014

2014 Naxos

About Giacomo Meyerbeer

Giacomo Meyerbeer, born Jacob Liebmann Beer, was a German opera composer who rose to become one of the most celebrated and influential figures in 19th-century music. Hailing from a wealthy Jewish family in Prussia, Meyerbeer's journey took him through Italy and France, where he honed his craft and adopted his stage name. He is renowned for pioneering the grand opera genre, blending German orchestral style with Italian vocal traditions to create spectacular, melodramatic works that captivated audiences. His collaborations with librettist Eugène Scribe resulted in iconic operas like "Robert le diable," "Les Huguenots," and "Le prophète," which set the standard for Parisian opera and solidified the city's reputation as the opera capital of the world. Meyerbeer's innovations and dramatic flair left an indelible mark on the operatic landscape, influencing composers such as Richard Wagner and solidifying his legacy as a bridge between the classical and romantic eras.